Retailers Report Surge in Sales After Government Stock-Up Advice
Supermarkets and electronics stores see significant increases in demand for tinned goods, radios, and torches.
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Several major retailers have experienced a sharp increase in sales of essential goods following government advice for the public to stockpile supplies in anticipation of potential disruptions. Iceland reported a 40% rise in sales of tinned products over the weekend, with a spokesperson telling BBC Newsnight that consumers had clearly responded to the warnings.
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Electronics retailers also noted significant spikes in demand. Robert Dyas reported a 160% increase in radio sales compared with the previous week. Maplin recorded a 92% increase in radio sales, a 284% surge in torch sales, and a 106% rise in power bank sales. These figures from Maplin cover the period since the government's announcement last week compared with the same period last month.
Within hours of the Be Ready announcement we saw people reach for the basics - a torch, a wind-up radio, a power bank. Torch sales nearly quadrupled and radio sales almost doubled in three days. These are simple, affordable products that keep a household connected and informed when the power goes out, and it's encouraging to see people taking the advice seriously.
Ollie Marshall, managing director at Maplin
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting had advised the public last week to stockpile items such as three litres of water per person per day, tinned goods, baby food, battery-powered torches, and mobile phone charging packs. He stated that preparation for emergencies like cyber attacks or extreme weather events was necessary. Mr Streeting commented to Newsnight that it was encouraging to see people taking practical steps to be ready, adding that having everyday essentials at home helps households prepare for disruption from events like flooding, power cuts, or burst pipes.
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Online Retailers See Tenfold Increase
Independent online retailers also reported substantial growth. Josh Pringle, from Sgt Prepper's online store, described a tenfold increase in sales following the government's 'Be Ready' campaign. He noted that most orders were for wind-up radios. Lincoln Miles, founder of Preppers Shop UK, told Newsnight that his store experienced a 650% increase in sales after the government announcement, with a focus on 'off-grid' items.
Questions this report answers
+Which retailers saw increased sales of essential goods?
Iceland reported a 40% increase in tinned product sales. Robert Dyas saw a 160% rise in radio sales, and Maplin recorded increases of 92% for radios, 284% for torches, and 106% for power banks. Online stores Sgt Prepper and Preppers Shop UK also experienced significant sales surges.
+What advice did the government give about stocking up?
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting advised people to stockpile essential items. This included three litres of water per person daily, tinned goods, baby food, battery-powered torches, and mobile phone charging packs to prepare for potential disruptions like cyber attacks or extreme weather.
+What kind of products saw the biggest sales increases?
Tinned products, radios, torches, and power banks saw significant sales jumps. Online retailers also noted a strong demand for 'off-grid' items. Maplin specifically saw torch sales nearly quadruple and radio sales almost double in the days following the government announcement.
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